Intermix coming to Toronto

This chic store featuring many designers will be opening up on Bloor Street in the fall.  See my longer piece about it over at DelectablyChic!.

Looks like there'll be some petite-friendly brands there.

July Poll Results

Last month, we asked whether you thought that many professional stylists had trouble understanding petite issues?. Out of all who replied, 42% believed that they did (and that they were only after your money...); 38% thought that they would if they were petite themselves; 9% thought that it was nonsense that they wouldn't "get it" (after all, they're professionals, right?) and another 9% chose other.

Readers, what do YOU think?  Do you agree with these results?

Henrietta Pertuz: Petite and Classically Fashionable

Like most petite women, Henrietta Pertuz has had a great deal of difficulty finding clothing which fit her 5'2" figure. Regular clothing was just not cut properly, and alterations were not always possible without paying a great deal for reconstruction. Getting tired of the difficulty, she left her job as an advertising executive to launch her line of clothing which is made to fit women 5'4" or below. The line, which features simple dresses, tops and and pants, are great to pair up with other existing pieces in a woman's wardrobe.


Being a petite designer, there have been many challenges for Henrietta. Just finding the right models can be hard. Agencies don't usually have women who're the right size - Henrietta's clothes fit women 5'4" or below. Even a "short" model most agencies have are too tall for her clothes. Some agencies are even surprised at her requests. Luckily, Henrietta has Carolyn, a 5'4" fitness model. Recently, she also did a shoot with some America's Next Top Model Cycle 13 (petite cycle) contestants (though they were a little bit taller than her other models). There have been other challenges as well. First and foremost, it is convincing women that they are petite. Many people are still under the belief that "petite" not only means short, but also small framed. They do not think that someone who is, say, 5'2" tall and a size 10 is petite. That is completely incorrect. In fact, the line ranges from 0P to 12P (and will expand to 00P and 14P in the fall).

(Left: Denim trousers; Right: Molly dresses featuring ANTM Cycle 13's Laura and Jennifer)

Henrietta's line has received some press recently. In a world that is full of tall skinny women, and now, a few tall, not-so-skinny women, it is very difficult for petite designers to even get a wee bit of notice. However, last week, Glamour.com published a post about the line. She has also received press on petite blogs like Extra Petite and The Good Girl Gone Blog. Where would Henrietta like to be in five years? Definitely in more stores! She would also love to dress petite celebrities, including Eva Longoria, Kristen Bell, Kristen Chenoweth and Carrie Underwood. Currently, Henrietta Pertuz is available online via her website and in these stores, with price points similar to Banana Republic and J.Crew.

Also posted in Prospere Magazine

As a "petite specialist," Kim Dahlman, 5'3", has hosted a variety of fashion events for retail clients such as Macy's and Dillard's. Encouraged by the numerous comments from petite women all over the United States, she decided to publish The Petite Handbook, a style guide on dressing the petite women a couple of years ago. The small, purse-sized book goes beyond what many magazines suggest for petites - magazines, along with the general public, often believe that "petite" means short and tiny (i.e. size 0 or 2), when in reality, any woman under 5'4" is considered petite - and suggests styles for all body types as well as many other petite related tips.

One reason why Ms. Dahlman came out with the guide was because many petite women believe that they can get a good fit from "regular sized" clothing and do not bother looking for petite sizes. "Petite sized clothing is designed for a shorter body frame. Petite garments are cut smaller in key areas and the rest of the garment is proportioned to match." The very fact that petite sizes means better fit should make the clothing industry think about producing more petite sizes. Therefore, the industry really needs to pay more attention to the millions of petite women who spend millions on clothing each year. At the same time, petite women need to realize that they are petite!

Ms. Dahlman on height issues and the media's ignorance:

Unfortunately, the mainstream media still likes to perpetuate the myth that you must be tall and thin to be beautiful, sexy, or glamorous. This false information is fuelled by the fashion industry itself and the fashion designers who only allow tall, emaciated Amazonian models to wear their designs on the runway. The irony of it is that the media is ignoring a huge segment of the population with 70% of all adult women standing 5’5” or under.

On why petite Hollywood women never talk about their height issues:

Much like the fashion industry, Hollywood has thrived for years creating the perception that all celebrities are larger than life. The well guarded secret is that most of today’s biggest female stars are much shorter than you think. Agents, publicists, and stylists buy into the misguided notion that height equals power. You will notice that some of the most high profile petite actresses including Sarah Jessica Parker and Eva Longoria wear stiletto heels anytime they appear in public.


On why petite clothing is more common with mall brands and why it's usually office wear:

It really boils down to economics with the sagging economy taking a huge toll on the petite fashion industry. Petites have long been considered a “niche” market, usually the first area to be cut back during a financial crunch. Many clothing manufacturers have quit or drastically reduced their petite sized clothing lines in an effort to cut costs. Only the biggest and most powerful survive, namely the mall brands. National chains prefer to target career customers because price points are higher for these looks. More sales can be generated per square foot within the limited floor space allotted for petites.

On how to encourage more non-XXS petite women to blog about size issues and being petite (currently, the vast majority of petite blogs are owned by size 0 women):

I would encourage them to use blogging and social networking not only as a means of venting frustration, but also to create an online community for full-figured petite women. Blogging in numbers could force stores to carry a better selection of larger petite sizes. Just ask the size 0 or XXS fashion bloggers who have opened the eyes of retailers to their special needs.

Ms. Dahlman's take on clothing for short men and a (short) Canadian menswear designer's reaction to Prospere Magazine's question of designing clothing for short men:

Men are different and the menswear market is different. Men are accustomed to paying for alterations. It is not a big deal to most men, sort of a rite of shopping. Even a suit jacket that is available in a short, regular, and long length generally still needs some alterations to get the perfect fit.

The Petite Handbook can be ordered online.

This article was also posted in Prospere Magazine

Many Would Enter Petite Model Search

Last month, we asked you: Bella Petite Magazine is looking for models 5'5" or shorter for their publication. Will you enter?

42% said that they'd enter, since it would give some attention to non-celeb petites

7% said that they might, but would need to think about it first

14% said that they wouldn't, since they aren't "modelling" types

7% wondered what kind of clothing these ladies would model (ummm, PETITE SIZED CLOTHING, SILLY!!!! What else would they be modelling?)

21% had no idea what Bella Petite magazine was.

March Poll Results: Alterations DON'T ALWAYS WORK!

Last Month's Question: Do you sometimes feel that your clothes need to be completely reconstructed in order for it to fit properly?






74% said: Yes! Even after hemming, the rise is still too long and sometimes the proportion isn't right.

24% said: No, not really, basic alterations work fine for me.

2% said: No, I don't need clothes altered. I buy off the rack and things fit fine.

0% said: "Other"

Since so many people said that alterations don't always work, why don't non-petite stylists/the fashion industry "get it"? Why do they push alterations, when reconstruction costs much more them simple hemming?

The Petite Campaign - Making Petite Fashion Shine!

Have you noticed the Petite Campaign icon on the right handed sidebar? Shorty Stories is trying to get mainstream media to talk about petite issues, especially petite fashion. This includes promoting petite-focused designers and companies which also make petite sizes. Join the group by clicking on the icon (found below the poll) or right here! Things will only change if we let the fashion world know. Write about these issues on your blog, on message boards, etc... If plus sizes can get talk shows and other media to talk about their size issues, we can too.

Poll Results for September: Boycotting Fashion

Last month's question: Would you consider boycotting fashion brands that do not make petites?

31% said: Yes, it's the only way to get fashion and media attention!

16% said: Maybe, I'll have to think about this.

25% said: No, it's not going to work, because the industry doesn't care!

18% said: Wait, if I boycott shopping, would I still have anything to wear?

9% said: Other

Do you agree with the results? Why or why not?

Personally, I'd love to start a boycott, but I can't do it alone. Would anyone be interested in joining me?

This month's question: Have you been sized out?

REMINDER: Clothing Show Tickets!

Just a friendly reminder about tickets for The Clothing Show which occursSeptember 26-28, 2008 at The Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. There'll be tons of exciting vendors at the event, including Dagg and Stacey, Dara and Crystal Trendz. Tickets are $8 online until September 25, and $10 afterwards. However, Shorty Stories and Prospere Magazine are giving away three pairs of tickets. Just send an e-mail to us no later than September 20. We will pick three names on September 21.

Another Call for Petite Designers!

If you are a fashion designer who specializes in that fit women 5'4" or shorter, Shorty Stories wants to profile you! Please send us an email with a link to your website as well as a short introduction and we'll be in touch with you!

Thanks!

C

Prospere Magazine Poll and Clothing Show Tickets

Just thought I'd let you know that this week's poll question at Prospere Magazine is niche market related. The question is: Do you think niche market designers (e.g. plus and petite) deserves to play a role in Fashion Week?

You'll find the question on the side bar right of the articles. The poll will be open until Monday, September 15 at 10:59 pm.

Also, a reminder to send an email in for your chance to get a pair of tickets to The Clothing Show. Please send the emails no later than September 20. Three names will be picked on September 21.

Non-Standard Fashion in Mainstream Media Facebook Group

A group advocating to get more attention for non-standard sized fashion in mainstream media was recently started on Facebook to get the fashion media/industry to give more attention to niche market brands, especially those that are non-standard only. People are encouraged to write to publications, create videos, etc...to let the fashion world know how they feel and what kind of changes they want. Right now, there aren't enough voices trying to make changes. I'm not saying that we should be marching on the streets or anything like that, but I'm sure most of us want change. And in order to get change, we must make our voices heard. So check out the group, make videos, etc...Looking forward to seeing them! :)